Who is Praise Mary Ella Simmons? All you need to know about DMX and Tashera Simmons' only daughter
After the tragic death of rapper Earl Simmons aka DMX at the age of 50, millions of his fans across the world are pouring in their tribute to their favorite artist. DMX, who was on life support for around a week following a cardiac arrest from drug overdose, was mourned by his family in a statement released on April 9, 2021.
DMX is survived by his 15 children and his fiancee Desiree Lindstorm. His former wife, Tashera Simmons, with whom he separated in 2010 after 11 years of marriage, is also known to have remained close friends with the rapper for all these years. The former couple shared four children, among whom Praise Mary Ella Simmons is the only daughter. DMX is believed to have been a doting father to Mary Ella and has been spotted spending memorable moments with her.
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Who are DMX's children? Inside the lives of Praise Mary Ella, Xavier, Tacoma and Sean Simmons
Who is Praise Mary Ella Simmons?
Born on April 18, 2005, 16-year-old Praise Mary Ella Simmons is the only daughter of DMX and Tashera Simmons. She has three brothers -- Xavier, Tacoma and Shawn Simmons -- besides 11 step-siblings.
E Celebrity Mirror reports Praise Simmons to be caring and smart. Her mother Tashera Simmons often shares pictures and heartfelt messages about her on her social media. "Blessed for having such a strong girl,” she wrote once about Praise. She also called her "smart, funny, articulate, caring, observant and full of light and love” on an Instagram post.
A little after her graduation in June 2019, Tashera Simmons posted a beautiful message on Instagram accompanied with pictures of the family with Praise.
"I meant to post Friday 🤪My baby girl “Praise” graduated! So so proud of her! New chapter... High school 😢🤗 last one in middle school! Unreal. Grateful. You did it mamas. God is great. Life is truly a beautiful journey of what you make," she wrote.
The post also comprised a smiling photo of DMX with his daughter, Praise. In a video shared with the post, a visibly proud DMX can be seen hugging his daughter and stroking her hair as a sign of deep affection and father-daughter bonding.
Praise Mary Ella appears to be protective about her personal life as she keeps her social media accounts private.
Why did DMX and Tashera Simmons divorce?
The former couple started dating at a very young age, when both of them were still teenagers, after having known each other since the age of eleven. They got married in 1999 but their marriage was far from a blissful union.
The marital life of DMX and Tashera Simmons was plagued by his multiple incarcerations and many extramarital affairs. He also fathered many children from these affairs outside his marriage. It was also reported that Tashera was subjected to verbal and psychological abuse from DMX. She separated from the rapper in 2010, and filed for divorce in 2012, after appearing on VH1 Couples Therapy.
In an interview with Essence, Tashera opened up about her divorce, saying, "I do still feel bad about getting a divorce, even after everything X put me through because I took my vows very seriously. And I know X is never going to love anyone the way he loves me, and I feel the same way about him. But [there] just comes a time, when you give your all, and you know you gave your all, and it's time to move on."
Reportedly, DMX, who filed for bankruptcy later in his career, withdrew financial support for Tashera and their four children after the divorce. Tashera Simmons battled through tough times to bring up her children. It appears that later in life, the duo eventually shared an amicable bond.